Junk Food Blues: How Are Depression and Diet Related?

Your diet and your mental health can be related more than you think. There are several studies that stated that people who eat a lot of meat, sweets, fried food, refined sugars and high-fat dairy are more likely to show symptoms of depression. Luckily, it can all be fixed or improved with some healthy eating […]

Your diet and your mental health can be
related more than you think. There are several studies that stated that people
who eat a lot of meat, sweets, fried food, refined sugars and high-fat dairy
are more likely to show symptoms of depression. Luckily, it can all be fixed or
improved with some healthy eating habits. So, here’s how junk food affects your
depression and a good clean diet can cure it.

What came first?

Depression or bad diet? What causes what? Let’s break it down. Depression is often pushing sufferers to adopt unhealthy eating habits which can result in pretty common dietary patterns associated with depression like reduced appetite, binge-eating on sugary and fatty foods and skipping meals.

These poor dietary practices further contribute to depression. So, the conclusion is that these two things feed off of each other.

Diet can also be a good indicator of your
risk and levels of depression. People who often eat a lot of junk food, fat and
carbs are at more risk of developing symptoms of depression. On the other hand,
diets like the Mediterranean which
contains a lot of vegetables, lean meat, fish, olive oil, fish and antioxidants
is connected to better mood and emotion control. Plus, this diet is low in
calories, so it’s a perfect choice for those trying to shed extra pounds and
get into shape.

Emotional health and diet

The fact that we have an entire field of medicine dedicated to diet and emotional health, Nutritional Psychiatry, we can clearly see just how tightly connected those two things are.

Long story short, nutritional psychiatry states that what we put in our bodies matters greatly for our physical but also mental health. Sever studies and analyses conclude that diets like the Mediterranean can be used as a prescribed and self-prescribed weapon against depression.

Fuel your neurotransmitters

It’s time to get a bit technical here. In
order to have good mental health, your neurotransmitters need to be well balanced
(neurotransmitters are chemicals that transfer information from and to the
brain). When we lack certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, it can lead to
depression and other related mental issues. And, in order to keep the serotonin
production high, your body needs to have plenty of appropriate nutrients at
your disposal. Since many neurotransmitters are made our of amino acids from
meats, fish, dairy and eggs, you should definitely include them in your diet.
People who avoid eating meat and animal products might experience impaired
production of serotonin and dopamine and start feeling moody, sad and
depressed.

What to munch on

While there are diets specifically made for boosting one’s mental health and neurological activity, you don’t necessarily need to see an expert. If you adopt the Mediterranean way of eating (which is rich in groceries available all over the world) you can reduce many of your symptoms and alleviate your mood.

Including certain foods in your everyday diet is also beneficial for your health and can even completely cure your mood disorders.

While there are many foods great for human
health, vitamins, minerals and nutrients from protein are especially important
for the support of the brain. Make sure to keep your nutrients high by taking
plenty of antioxidants from raspberries, blueberries, strawberries,
blackberries and apples. Ensure your vitamin B levels are optimal by eating at
least two to three eggs a week and preparing lean meat like poultry, fish and
oysters. Whole grains, avocado and milk are also rich in vitamin B.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts and seeds
will also ensure optimal brain function, especially when accompanied with
selenium from whole grains, nuts, seafood and organ meats. Another thing you
can add to your diet is CBD oil. If you buy your product from respectable
suppliers, CBD for anxiety can
be easily mixed with food and beverages you make at home. For instance, add it
to your smoothie, coffee or baked goods and let it positively influence
yourappetite, pain, sleep, stress responses, mood, motivation and
more.

What to avoid

Certain substances harm your mental and your
physical health, so they should be eliminated from your diet. Luckily, the list
isn’t huge and you can always find some healthier alternative to replace these
harmful foods. If you suffer from depression, do limit your intake of alcohol
and caffeine. Another “drug” that people with depression often eat too much is
sugar. Minimize your intake of candy, cake and other sweets and stick to dark chocolate to
satisfy your sweet tooth. Highly-processed foods, as well as high-fat dairy,
should also be consumed in minimal amounts.

Eating a diet that benefits your mental
health isn’t hard. All you need to do is fill your plate with plenty of
veggies, lean protein and whole grains. If it’s made with too much added sugar
or flour (pasta, bread, baked goods) it’s best to skip it. An occasional cheat
meal will not harm you though as long as you eat clean the rest of the time.
So, keep your mental health in check by controlling your diet!

Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to health and alternative medicine. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

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Changing what you eat can change how you feel

“People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills . . . There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind. . . . So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.”